U.S. patent application number 17/536101 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-17 for battery box, battery pack, and vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited. Invention is credited to Yannan CHU, Jinqing Ji, Mu Qian.
Application Number | 20220085450 17/536101 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220085450 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHU; Yannan ; et
al. |
March 17, 2022 |
BATTERY BOX, BATTERY PACK, AND VEHICLE
Abstract
This application discloses a battery box, a battery pack, and a
vehicle. The battery box includes: a lower box, including a bottom
plate and a side plate connected to and disposed around the bottom
plate; an upper box, connected to the side plate, where the upper
box contains a cover plate disposed in opposition to the bottom
plate, and the upper box and the lower box jointly close in to form
an accommodation chamber; and a connector, disposed in the
accommodation chamber and connected to the upper box and the lower
box. The connector contains a guide channel, and the guide channel
runs through the bottom plate and the cover plate along a first
direction. The battery box, the battery pack, and the vehicle in
this application satisfies requirements on strength of the battery
box and connection strength between the battery pack and the
vehicle.
Inventors: |
CHU; Yannan; (Ningde City,
CN) ; Qian; Mu; (Ningde City, CN) ; Ji;
Jinqing; (Ningde City, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited |
Ningde City |
|
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
Contemporary Amperex Technology
Co., Limited
Ningde City
CN
|
Appl. No.: |
17/536101 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/CN2020/084709 |
Apr 14, 2020 |
|
|
|
17536101 |
|
|
|
|
International
Class: |
H01M 50/249 20060101
H01M050/249; H01M 50/209 20060101 H01M050/209; H01M 50/186 20060101
H01M050/186 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 29, 2019 |
CN |
201920793615.2 |
Claims
1. A battery box, comprising: a lower box, comprising a bottom
plate and a side plate connected to and disposed around the bottom
plate; an upper box, connected to the side plate, wherein the upper
box contains a cover plate disposed in opposition to the bottom
plate, and the upper box and the lower box jointly close in to form
an accommodation chamber; and a connector, disposed in the
accommodation chamber and connected to the upper box and the lower
box, wherein the connector contains a guide channel, and the guide
channel runs through the bottom plate and the cover plate along a
first direction.
2. The battery box according to claim 1, wherein surfaces that
close in to form the guide channel comprise a first annular wall
face and a second annular wall face that are successively disposed
along the first direction, and a transition surface that connects
the first annular wall face and the second annular wall face; and
in the first direction, a projection of the second annular wall
face surrounds a projection of the first annular wall face.
3. The battery box according to claim 1, wherein the connectors are
two or more in number, and the two or more connectors are spaced
apart from each other.
4. The battery box according to claim 1, wherein the connector
comprises a connecting rod extending along the first direction and
a locking piece, one end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected
to the bottom plate, the other end of the connecting rod passes
through the upper box and is detachably connected to the upper box
through the locking piece, and the guide channel is disposed in the
connecting rod.
5. The battery box according to claim 4, wherein the connecting rod
contains a bulge on an outer peripheral surface near the bottom
plate, the bottom plate contains a clamping part that fits with the
bulge, and the clamping part is at least partially held down onto
an end face of the bulge oriented toward the upper box.
6. The battery box according to claim 4, wherein the connector
further comprises a reinforcing rod extending along the first
direction and sleeving on the connecting rod, and the reinforcing
rod is clamped between the bottom plate and the upper box.
7. The battery box according to claim 6, wherein the battery box
further comprises a first seal that sleeves on the reinforcing rod,
and a flange is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the
reinforcing rod; and in the first direction, a position limiting
part that protrudes out of the flange is disposed at one end of the
reinforcing rod near the upper box; the flange, the position
limiting part, and the upper box close in to form an annular
mounting cavity, and the first seal is disposed in the annular
mounting cavity.
8. The battery box according to claim 6, wherein the battery box
further comprises a second seal that sleeves on the connecting rod,
and the second seal is clamped between the connecting rod and the
reinforcing rod.
9. A battery pack, comprising: the battery box according to claim
1; and a battery module, disposed in an accommodation chamber and
connected to a lower box.
10. A vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body; an energy storage part,
disposed in the vehicle body, wherein the energy storage part
comprises the battery pack according to claim 9; a mounting piece,
inserted in a guide channel and connected to the vehicle body and
the battery pack.
11. The battery box according to claim 2, wherein the connectors
are two or more in number, and the two or more connectors are
spaced apart from each other.
12. The battery box according to claim 2, wherein the connector
comprises a connecting rod extending along the first direction and
a locking piece, one end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected
to the bottom plate, the other end of the connecting rod passes
through the upper box and is detachably connected to the upper box
through the locking piece, and the guide channel is disposed in the
connecting rod.
13. The battery box according to claim 3, wherein the connector
comprises a connecting rod extending along the first direction and
a locking piece, one end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected
to the bottom plate, the other end of the connecting rod passes
through the upper box and is detachably connected to the upper box
through the locking piece, and the guide channel is disposed in the
connecting rod.
14. The battery box according to claim 5, wherein the connector
further comprises a reinforcing rod extending along the first
direction and sleeving on the connecting rod, and the reinforcing
rod is clamped between the bottom plate and the upper box.
15. The battery box according to claim 7, wherein the battery box
further comprises a second seal that sleeves on the connecting rod,
and the second seal is clamped between the connecting rod and the
reinforcing rod.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/CN2020/084709, filed on Apr. 14, 2020, which
claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201920793615.2,
filed on May 29, 2019, titled with "BATTERY BOX, BATTERY PACK, AND
VEHICLE", both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This application relates to the technical field of energy
storage, and in particular, to a battery box, a battery pack, and a
vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A battery pack is typically used for a new energy vehicle,
and provides driving power for the new energy vehicle. Examples of
the new energy vehicle include a hybrid electric vehicle and a
battery electric vehicle. The evolution of new energy technologies
has imposed higher requirements on the strength and reliability of
the new energy vehicle, and the battery pack is an important part
of the new energy vehicle. Therefore, higher requirements are also
imposed on the strength of the battery pack and the installation
strength between the battery pack and the vehicle.
[0004] A conventional battery pack is connected to the hybrid
electric vehicle or the battery electric vehicle through a battery
box. Generally, a mounting beam readily available to the battery
pack is provided around the battery pack on the vehicle. The
battery box can be directly connected to the mounting beam.
Although this meets connection requirements, such a connection
manner makes the battery pack prone to detach from the mounting
beam when the vehicle vibrates or collides violently, thereby
drastically impairing the driving safety of the vehicle.
[0005] Therefore, a new type of battery box, battery pack, and
vehicle is urgently needed.
SUMMARY
[0006] An embodiment of this application provides a battery box, a
battery pack, and a vehicle to increase strength of the battery box
and also satisfy requirements on connection strength between the
battery pack and the vehicle.
[0007] In view of the foregoing problem, according to one aspect of
this application, a battery box is provided, including: a lower
box, including a bottom plate and a side plate connected to and
disposed around the bottom plate; an upper box, connected to the
side plate, where the upper box contains a cover plate disposed in
opposition to the bottom plate, and the upper box and the lower box
jointly close in to form an accommodation chamber; and a connector,
disposed in the accommodation chamber and connected to the upper
box and the lower box, where the connector contains a guide
channel, and the guide channel runs through the bottom plate and
the cover plate along a first direction.
[0008] In an implementation according to an aspect of this
application, surfaces that close in to form the guide channel
include a first annular wall face and a second annular wall face
that are successively disposed along the first direction, and a
transition surface that connects the first annular wall face and
the second annular wall face; and, in the first direction, a
projection of the second annular wall face surrounds a projection
of the first annular wall face.
[0009] In any of the foregoing implementations according to an
aspect of this application, the connectors are two or more in
number, and the two or more connectors are spaced apart from each
other.
[0010] In any of the foregoing implementations according to an
aspect of this application, the connector includes a connecting rod
extending along the first direction and a locking piece, one end of
the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the bottom plate, the
other end of the connecting rod passes through the upper box and is
detachably connected to the upper box through the locking piece,
and the guide channel is disposed in the connecting rod.
[0011] In any of the foregoing implementations according to an
aspect of this application, the connecting rod contains a bulge on
an outer peripheral surface near the bottom plate, the bottom plate
contains a clamping part that fits with the bulge, and the clamping
part is at least partially held down onto an end face of the bulge
oriented toward the upper box.
[0012] In any of the foregoing implementations according to an
aspect of this application, the connector further includes a
reinforcing rod extending along the first direction and sleeving on
the connecting rod, and the reinforcing rod is clamped between the
bottom plate and the upper box.
[0013] In any of the foregoing implementations according to an
aspect of this application, the battery box further includes a
first seal that sleeves on the reinforcing rod, and a flange is
disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing rod;
and, in the first direction, a position limiting part that
protrudes out of the flange is disposed at one end of the
reinforcing rod near the upper box; the flange, the position
limiting part, and the upper box close in to form an annular
mounting cavity, and the first seal is disposed in the annular
mounting cavity.
[0014] In any of the foregoing implementations according to an
aspect of this application, the battery box further includes a
second seal that sleeves on the connecting rod, and the second seal
is clamped between the connecting rod and the reinforcing rod.
[0015] According to another aspect of this application, a battery
pack is provided, including the battery box described above, and a
battery module. The battery module is disposed in an accommodation
chamber and connected to a lower box.
[0016] With the battery box and the battery pack provided in the
embodiments of this application, the lower box and the upper box of
the battery box are connected to form an accommodation chamber, and
the connector is disposed in the accommodation chamber. In
addition, the connector is configured to contain a guide channel
that runs through the bottom plate and the cover plate along the
first direction. Because the connector can connect the bottom plate
of the lower box and the cover plate of the upper box, the
connector can form an effective support between the lower box and
the upper box and reinforce the strength of the battery box. When
the battery box withstands a large external force, the connector
can support the battery box to prevent deformation. When the
battery box is applied to the battery pack, especially when the
battery pack withstands an increased external force, the connector
can effectively support the battery box and prevent deformation of
the battery box, and can effectively prevent damage to the battery
module caused by deformation of the battery box, thereby improving
reliability and safety performance of the battery pack. In
addition, the structure of the connector is so simple that it will
not affect the overall weight of the battery pack, thereby further
optimizing the performance of the battery pack.
[0017] According to still another aspect of this application, a
vehicle is provided, including a vehicle body, an energy storage
part, and a mounting piece. The energy storage part is disposed in
the vehicle body. The energy storage part includes the battery pack
described above. The mounting piece is inserted into a guide
channel and connected to the vehicle body and the battery pack.
[0018] The vehicle provided in the embodiment of this application
includes a vehicle body, an energy storage part, and a mounting
piece. The energy storage part includes the battery pack. In this
way, the mounting piece can plug into the guide channel and connect
the vehicle body and the battery pack. Therefore, the connector
provides an assembly point for the connection between the battery
pack and the vehicle while increasing the strength of the battery
pack, thereby effectively improving stability and reliability of
the mounting connection between the battery pack and the
vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] The following outlines accompanying drawings used in the
embodiments of this application. Apparently, a person of ordinary
skill in the art may derive other drawings from these accompanying
drawings without making any creative efforts.
[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a vehicle according to an
embodiment of this application;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a local detailed view of a position A shown in
FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a battery pack
according to an embodiment of this application;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in a B-B direction of FIG.
3;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of a battery box
according to an embodiment of this application;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view of a battery box according to an
embodiment of this application;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a top view of a battery box according to an
embodiment of this application;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of an upper box
according to an embodiment of this application;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a lower box
according to an embodiment of this application;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view in a B-B direction of FIG.
5;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a local detailed view of a position D shown in
FIG. 10;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a connecting
rod according to an embodiment of this application; and
[0032] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a reinforcing
rod according to an embodiment of this application.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0033] 1: Battery box;
[0034] 10: Lower box; 101: Bottom plate; 1011: Clamping part; 102:
Side plate; 103: Reinforcing rib; 104: Lower connecting plate;
[0035] 20: Upper box; 201: Cover plate; 202: Lateral end plate;
203: Upper connecting plate;
[0036] 30: Accommodation chamber;
[0037] 40: Connector; 401: Guide channel; 4011: First annular wall
face; 4012: Second annular wall face; 4013: Transition surface;
402: Connecting rod; 4021: Bulge; 403: Reinforcing rod; 4031:
Flange; 4032: Position limiting part; 4033: Mounting part; 404:
Locking piece;
[0038] 50: First seal;
[0039] 60: Annular mounting cavity;
[0040] 70: Second seal;
[0041] 2: Battery module;
[0042] 3: Mounting piece;
[0043] 4: Vehicle body;
[0044] M: First direction.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0045] The following describes features and exemplary embodiments
in detail according to each aspect of this application. In the
following detailed description, many details are provided to enable
a comprehensive understanding of this application. However, it is
apparent to a person skilled in the art that this application can
be implemented without some of the details. The following
description of the embodiments is merely intended to enable a
better understanding of this application by illustrating examples
of this application. In the accompanying drawings and the following
description, at least a part of well-known structures and
technologies are omitted to avoid unnecessary ambiguity of this
application and, for clarity, the size of some structures may be
exaggerated. In addition, the features, structures, or
characteristics described below may be combined in one or more
embodiments in any appropriate manner.
[0046] The directional terms appearing in the following description
indicate the directions shown in the drawings, but without limiting
specific structures of the battery box, battery pack, and vehicle
in this application. In the context of this application, unless
otherwise expressly specified, the terms "mount" and "connect"
shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, a "connection"
may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an
integrated connection, and may be a direct connection or an
indirect connection. A person of ordinary skill in the art can
understand the specific meanings of the terms in this application
according to specific situations.
[0047] For a better understanding of this application, the
following describes a battery box, a battery pack, and a vehicle
according to embodiments of this application in detail with
reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 13.
[0048] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a vehicle according to an
embodiment of this application; and FIG. 2 is a local detailed view
of a position A shown in FIG. 1.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an embodiment of this
application provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle body
4, an energy storage part, and a mounting piece 3. The energy
storage part is disposed in the vehicle body 4, the energy storage
part includes a battery pack, and the battery pack can provide
power for the vehicle. The mounting piece 3 may be a mounting bolt,
and the energy storage part is connected to the vehicle body 4
through the mounting piece 3. When the vehicle is operating, the
battery pack in the energy storage part provides power for the
operation of the vehicle by discharging, thereby meeting operation
requirements of the vehicle.
[0050] As can be learned from the above description on the
structure of the vehicle, the battery pack provides power for the
operation of the entire vehicle. The structural strength of the
battery pack and the connection strength between the battery pack
and the vehicle body 4 affect the safety performance and
reliability of operation of the entire vehicle. When the vehicle
has been operating for a long time or a higher reliability
requirement is imposed on the vehicle, a higher strength of the
battery pack is required.
[0051] Therefore, to better meet the above requirement, an
embodiment of this application further provides a new type of
battery pack. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, FIG. 3 is a
three-dimensional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment
of this application, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in a B-B
direction of FIG. 3. The battery pack includes a battery box 1 and
a battery module 2. The battery box 1 includes an accommodation
chamber 30. The battery module 2 is fixedly disposed inside the
accommodation chamber 30. The accommodation chamber 30 is an
airtight chamber. With the battery module 2 disposed inside the
accommodation chamber 30, air and moisture can be kept out of the
accommodation chamber 30, thereby effectively preventing the
battery module 2 from being affected by external air or moisture
and increasing the life of the battery module 2. In an optional
embodiment, the battery pack includes a plurality of battery
modules 2. The plurality of battery modules 2 are disposed in the
battery box 1 in sequence. The quantity of battery modules 2 may be
set depending on overall energy storage requirements of the battery
pack, and is not limited herein.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional
view of a battery box according to an embodiment of this
application, FIG. 6 is a side view of the battery box according to
an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 7 is a top view of the
battery box according to an embodiment of this application. In some
optional embodiments, the battery box 1 includes a lower box 10, an
upper box 20, and a connector 40. The lower box 10 includes a
bottom plate 101 and a side plate 102 connected to and disposed
around the bottom plate 101. The upper box 20 is connected to the
side plate 102. The upper box 20 contains a cover plate 201
disposed in opposition to the bottom plate 101, and the upper box
20 and the lower box 10 jointly close in to form an accommodation
chamber 30. The connector 40 is disposed in the accommodation
chamber 30 and is connected to the upper box 20 and the lower box
10. The connector 40 contains a guide channel 401, and the guide
channel 401 runs through the bottom plate 101 and the cover plate
201 along a first direction M. The first direction M may be an
arrangement direction of the cover plate 201 toward the bottom
plate 101, or the first direction M may be a thickness direction of
the battery box 1. The first direction M may also be a direction in
which the cover plate 201 extends along a variety of curves and
points to the bottom plate 101. The first direction M may also be a
direction in which the cover plate 201 serving as a start point
obliquely points to the bottom plate 101. In this embodiment of
this application, an example is used for description in which the
first direction M is the arrangement direction of the cover plate
201 toward the bottom plate 101.
[0053] Still referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, the guide channel 401
is disposed on the connector 40. Therefore, when the battery pack
is mounted onto the vehicle body 4, the mounting piece 3 can plug
into the guide channel 401 and connect the vehicle body 4 and the
battery pack. In this way, the connector 40 can provide an assembly
point for the connection between the battery pack and the vehicle,
thereby effectively improving stability and reliability of the
connection between the battery box 1 and the vehicle.
[0054] In a specific implementation, the quantity of the connectors
40 may be set depending on strength requirements of the battery
pack or the battery box 1. In some optional embodiments, the
connectors 40 are two or more in number, and the two or more
connectors 40 are spaced apart from each other. Two or more
connectors 40 may be evenly disposed in the middle of the battery
box 1 to enhance the strength of the middle of the battery box 1.
The middle of the battery box 1 is a middle region in a plane
direction of the cover plate 201 or the bottom plate 101. With the
two or more connectors 40 disposed, the connection strength of the
upper box 20 and the lower box 10 can be further ensured. In
addition, the guide channels 401 of the two or more connectors 40
can provide a plurality of mounting spaces for the connection
between the battery pack and the vehicle, thereby further improving
the stability of the mounting connection between the battery pack
and the vehicle and improving the safety performance of the
vehicle. Optionally, the quantity of connectors 40 is three, four,
five or even more, and is user-definable according to the size and
strength requirements of the battery box 1.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, FIG. 8 is a schematic
structural diagram of an upper box according to an embodiment of
this application, FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a
lower box according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG.
10 is a cross-sectional view in a C-C direction of FIG. 5. In an
optional embodiment, the upper box 20 includes a cover plate 201
disposed in opposition to the bottom plate 101, and a lateral end
plate 202 connected to and disposed around the cover plate 201. The
upper box 20 is connected to the side plate 102 of the lower box 10
through the lateral end plate 202, so that the upper box 20 and the
lower box 10 close in to form an accommodation chamber 30.
[0056] Specifically, a lower connecting plate 104 is disposed at
one end of the side plate 102 of the lower box 10 away from the
bottom plate 101. The lower connecting plate 104 is parallel to the
bottom plate 101. The lower connecting plate 104 extends from a
surface of the side plate 102 near the accommodation chamber 30 to
a direction away from the accommodation chamber 30.
Correspondingly, an upper connecting plate 203 is disposed at an
end of the lateral end plate 202 of the upper box 20 away from the
cover plate 201. The upper connecting plate 203 extends from a
surface of the lateral end plate 202 near the accommodation chamber
30 to a direction away from the accommodation chamber 30.
Connecting holes corresponding to each other are disposed on the
lower connecting plate 104 and the upper connecting plate 203.
Fasteners are disposed in the connecting holes to connect the upper
connecting plate 203 and the lower connecting plate 104, so as to
connect the upper box 20 and the lower box 10.
[0057] In some optional embodiments, the upper connecting plate 203
is parallel to the lower connecting plate 104, so that the upper
connecting plate 203 and the lower connecting plate 104 can better
contact each other and also increase a connection area between the
upper box 20 and the lower box 10, thereby improving connection
stability between the upper box 20 and the lower box 10 and further
improving airtightness of the accommodation chamber 30. The upper
connecting plate 203 may be integrated with the lateral end plate
202, and the lower connecting plate 104 may be integrated with the
side plate 102, to facilitate production and assembly of the
battery box 1. In some other examples, the upper box 20 may merely
include the cover plate 201, and the cover plate 201 is directly
connected to the side plate 102 of the lower box 10. This also
meets needs.
[0058] In an optional embodiment, the lower box 10 includes a
reinforcing rib 103. The reinforcing rib 103 is connected to either
or both of the bottom plate 101 and the side plate 102.
Specifically, the reinforcing rib 103 is disposed in the
accommodation chamber 30. The reinforcing rib 103 may be plural in
number. The plurality of reinforcing ribs 103 partitions the lower
box 10 into a plurality of accommodation parts. The accommodation
parts are configured to fix and accommodate the battery module 2.
With the lower box 10 partitioned into a plurality of accommodation
parts, a plurality of battery modules 2 can be spaced apart to
avoid mutual interference. In addition, the battery modules 2 may
be connected to the reinforcing ribs 103 to increase the stability
of the connection between the battery module 2 and the battery box
1.
[0059] Optionally, the reinforcing rib 103 may be made of a hollow
beam, and the plurality of reinforcing ribs 103 may also be
connected to each other. The quantity of the reinforcing ribs 103
may be set as required, and the arrangement of the reinforcing ribs
103 may be an array arrangement or an irregular arrangement or the
like.
[0060] To increase space utilization of the accommodation chamber
30 of the battery box 1, in some optional embodiments, a projection
of the connector 40 along the first direction M at least partially
overlaps a projection of the reinforcing rib 103 along the first
direction M, so that the connector 40 can be disposed on the
reinforcing rib 103 to improve the connection stability between the
connector 40 and the battery box 1.
[0061] Further, referring to FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, FIG. 11 is a local
detailed view of a position D shown in FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a
schematic structural diagram of a connecting rod according to an
embodiment of this application; and FIG. 13 is a schematic
structural diagram of a reinforcing rod according to an embodiment
of this application. With reference to possible embodiments
described above, the connector 40 in an embodiment of this
application includes a guide channel 401 that runs through the
cover plate 201 and the bottom plate 101 along a first direction M.
Surfaces that close in to form the guide channel 401 include a
first annular wall face 4011 and a second annular wall face 4012
that are successively disposed along the first direction M, and a
transition surface 4013 that connects the first annular wall face
4011 and the second annular wall face 4012. In the first direction
M, a projection of the second annular wall face 4012 surrounds a
projection of the first annular wall face 4011.
[0062] When the battery box 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the mounting
piece 3 may plug into the guide channel 401 to connect the battery
pack and the vehicle. Because it is configured that the projection
of the second annular wall face 4012 along the first direction M
surrounds the projection of the first annular wall face 4011, the
mounting piece 3 can be clamped onto the transition surface 4013
when the mounting piece 3 is inserted in the guide channel 401, so
as to limit the position of the mounting piece 3 and ensure
accuracy of a mounting position of the mounting piece 3.
[0063] In some optional embodiments, the projections of the first
annular wall face 4011 and the second annular wall face 4012 along
the first direction M are both circular, and a radial dimension of
the second annular wall face 4012 is greater than that of the first
annular wall face 4011. Because it is configured that the
projections of the first annular wall face 4011 and the second
annular wall face 4012 along the first direction M are circular, a
utilization area of the guide channel 401 is increased. Under the
same conditions, the first annular wall face 4011 that is circular
can appropriately increase the size of the mounting piece 3 to
facilitate the mounting and fixing of the mounting piece 3. The
projection of the second annular wall face 4012 along the first
direction M may also be rectangular or irregular, as long as the
connection requirements are met.
[0064] Still referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, with reference to
any of the foregoing possible implementations, the connector 40
includes a connecting rod 402 extending along the first direction M
and a locking piece 404. One end of the connecting rod 402 is
fixedly connected to the bottom plate 101. The other end of the
connecting rod 402 passes through the upper box 20 and is
detachably connected to the upper box 20 through the locking piece
404. The guide channel 401 is disposed in the connecting rod 402.
The connecting rod 402 is a columnar structure. The connecting rod
402 runs through the bottom plate 101 and the cover plate 201 along
the first direction M to connect and support the bottom plate 101
and the cover plate 201 and improve the strength of the battery box
1.
[0065] Optionally, one end that is of the connecting rod 402 and
close to the cover plate 201 at least partially protrudes out of an
outer surface of the cover plate 201. The locking piece 404 sleeves
on the connecting rod 402. The locking piece 404 abuts against the
outer surface of the cover plate 201, and the connecting rod 402 is
detachably connected to the upper box 20 through the locking piece
404. An outer peripheral surface of the connecting rod 402 that
protrudes out of the outer surface of the cover plate 201 may be
threaded to form a threaded structure. Correspondingly, the locking
piece 404 is a threaded locking piece, and the locking piece 404 is
connected to the connecting rod 402 through a self-locking effect
of threads.
[0066] Still referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, in some optional
embodiments, to accurately mount the connecting rod 402 on the
lower box 10, an outer peripheral surface of the connecting rod 402
near the bottom plate 101 contains a bulge 4021. The bottom plate
101 contains a clamping part 1011 that fits with the bulge 4021.
The clamping part 1011 is at least partially held down onto an end
face of the bulge 4021 oriented toward the upper box 20, so that
the bottom plate 101 limits the position of the connecting rod
402.
[0067] Optionally, the bulge 4021 may surround an outer peripheral
surface of the connecting rod 402. The bulge 4021 may also be a
partially convex structure disposed on the outer peripheral surface
of the connecting rod 402. This is not limited in this application,
as long as the clamping part 1011 is at least partially held down
onto the end face of the bulge 4021 oriented toward the upper box
20.
[0068] In a specific embodiment, when the reinforcing rib 103 is
fixedly disposed on the bottom plate 101, the connecting rod 402 is
disposed by running through the reinforcing rib 103 along the first
direction M. A cavity structure exists inside the reinforcing rib
103. A cross section of the cavity structure is an inverted hollow
T-shape. In this case, the clamping part 1011 is a surface disposed
in opposition to the bottom plate 101 in the cavity structure of
the reinforcing rib 103. With the clamping part 1011 disposed on
the reinforcing rib 103, the utilization rate of the reinforcing
rib 103 is improved. The clamping part 1011 limits positions of the
bottom plate 101 and the connecting rod 402, and makes it
convenient to assemble and mount the connector 40 quickly and
accurately. When the connectors 40 are two or more in number, the
connectors 40 can be assembled quickly through coordination between
the clamping part 1011 and the bulge 4021, thereby effectively
improving uniformity of the installation of the plurality of
connectors 40 and improving the quality pass rate of the battery
box 1.
[0069] To increase the stability of the connection between the
connecting rod 402 and the bottom plate 101, one end of the
connecting rod 402 may be welded to the bottom plate 101 to
effectively ensure airtightness of the battery box 1. In addition,
the welding is performed at the position where the connecting rod
402 runs through the reinforcing rib 103, the connecting rod 402 is
prevented from swaying as a result of a gap between the connecting
rod 402 and the reinforcing rib 103. The fixed welding of the
connecting rod 402 to the bottom plate 101 and the reinforcing rib
103 ensures stability of connection between the connector 40 and
the lower box 10, and ensures reliability and airtightness of the
battery box 1.
[0070] In some optional embodiments, one end of the connector 40 is
fixedly connected to the bottom plate 101 or the reinforcing rib
103 through an interference fit or a structural adhesive or by cold
shrinkage. The cold shrinkage method is: assembling the bottom
plate 101, the reinforcing rib 103, and the connecting rod 402 in a
high temperature state, and then cooling them to deform the bottom
plate 101 or the reinforcing rib 103 and reduce a distance between
the bottom plate 101 or the reinforcing rib 103 and the connecting
rod 402, so that the connecting rod 402 is fixedly connected onto
the bottom plate 101.
[0071] In an optional embodiment, the connector 40 further includes
a reinforcing rod 403 extending along the first direction M and
sleeving on the connecting rod 402. The reinforcing rod 403 is
clamped between the bottom plate 101 and the upper box 20. The
reinforcing rod 403 that sleeves on the connecting rod 402 can
reinforce the connecting rod 402, and the reinforcing rod 403
clamped between the bottom plate 101 and the upper box 20 further
improves the strength of the battery box 1. Especially, vehicles
are increasingly requiring higher electrical power, so that the
battery box 1 needs to accommodate a larger number of battery
modules 2 to meet the high-power requirements. Therefore, the
battery box 1 needs to be enlarged to provide more space for
accommodating more battery modules 2. When the battery box 1 is
enlarged in size, the bottom plate 101 and the upper box 20 can be
supported by the connecting rod 402 and the reinforcing rod 403
clamped between the bottom plate 101 and the upper box 20, so as to
further improve the strength of the battery pack.
[0072] In an optional implementation, the battery box 1 according
to each of the foregoing embodiments of this application may
further include a first seal 50 that sleeves on the reinforcing rod
403. A flange 4031 is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of
the reinforcing rod 403. In the first direction M, a position
limiting part 4032 that protrudes out of the flange 4031 is
disposed at one end of the reinforcing rod 403 near the upper box
20. The flange 4031, the position limiting part 4032, and the upper
box 20 close in to form an annular mounting cavity 60, and the
first seal 50 is disposed in the annular mounting cavity 60.
[0073] The first seal 50 according to this embodiment of this
application is primarily configured to ensure the sealing
performance of the battery box 1. Through adjustment of the
position of the locking piece 404 and the connecting rod 402, the
locking piece 404 moves closer to the bottom plate 101. Because the
locking piece 404 abuts against the outer surface of the cover
plate 201, the locking piece 404 drives the cover plate 201 to move
closer to the bottom plate 101 to reduce a volume of the annular
mounting cavity 60. Because the first seal 50 is disposed in the
annular mounting cavity 60 and the first seal 50 is preconfigured
for being capable of cushioning and deformation, the first seal 50
can be compressed when the volume of the annular mounting cavity 60
is reduced. In this way, the first seal 50 tightly abuts against
the cover plate 201 and the flange 4031 under the effect of the
flange 4031 and the cover plate 201, to implement airtight
connection of the battery box 1. In addition, this ensures
consistent distances between the cover plate 201 and the bottom
plate 101, and achieves a relatively uniform contour of the battery
box 1. When the battery box 1 receives an external force, the first
seal 50 can absorb part of stress and reduce damage to the battery
box 1 caused by the external force. In some optional embodiments, a
sealant may also be applied in the annular mounting cavity 60 to
meet sealing requirements of the battery box 1.
[0074] In an optional embodiment, the battery box 1 further
includes a second seal 70 that sleeves on the connecting rod 402,
and the second seal 70 is clamped between the connecting rod 402
and the reinforcing rod 403. The structure of the second seal 70 is
similar to that of the first seal 50, and can be used to implement
sealing between the connecting rod 402 and the reinforcing rod 403.
In a specific implementation, the sealing between the connecting
rod 402 and the reinforcing rod 403 may be implemented by a close
fit between the second seal 70 and the reinforcing rod 403.
[0075] Specifically, the reinforcing rod 403 includes an annular
groove. The annular groove extends from an inner surface of the
reinforcing rod 403 toward an outer surface thereof. The second
seal 70 sleeves on the reinforcing rod 403 and disposed in the
annular groove to implement sealing between the connecting rod 402
and the reinforcing rod 403. A diameter of an inner surface of the
second seal 70 is less than or equal to a diameter of an outer
surface at a junction between the reinforcing rod 403 and the
second seal 70. Optionally, a thickness of the second seal 70 is
greater than or equal to an extension distance of the annular
groove extending along an axial direction of the reinforcing rod
403. The fit between the second seal 70 and a fitting surface of
the reinforcing rod 403 in size improves the airtightness between
the connecting rod 402 and the reinforcing rod 403, and further
improves the airtightness of the battery box 1.
[0076] A mounting part 4033 that protrudes out of the outer
peripheral surface is disposed at one end of the reinforcing rod
403 near the bottom plate 101. The mounting part 4033 contains a
mounting hole. A width of the mounting part 4033 matches a width of
the reinforcing rib 103. A connecting hole corresponding to the
mounting hole is disposed on the bottom plate 101 or the
reinforcing rib 103. The reinforcing rod 403 is connected to the
bottom plate 101 by fasteners disposed on the mounting hole and the
connecting hole, or connected to the bottom plate 101 through the
reinforcing rib 103.
[0077] When the foregoing battery box 1 is applied to a battery
pack in a specific implementation, the battery module 2 may be
fixedly disposed on the lower box 10. The second seal 70 is
disposed in the annular groove of the reinforcing rod 403. Then the
reinforcing rod 403 and the second seal 70 sleeve on the connecting
rod 402 as a whole, and are fixedly connected to the lower box 10
through the mounting part 4033. Then the first seal 50 is mounted
on the position limiting part 4032 of the reinforcing rod 403.
Subsequently, the upper box 20 and the lower box 10 are disposed
oppositely so that the upper box 20 is connected to the lower box
10. The end that is of the connecting rod 402 and close to the
cover plate 201 at least partially protrudes out of the upper
surface of the cover plate 201. Therefore, finally, a locking piece
404 sleeves on one end that is of the connecting rod 402 and that
protrudes out of the cover plate 201. The locking piece 404 is
controlled to fasten and hermetically connect the upper box 20 to
the lower box 10.
[0078] In conclusion, with the battery box 1 according to this
embodiment of this application, the connector 40 is disposed in the
accommodation chamber 30, and the connector 40 contains the guide
channel 401. The guide channel 401 runs through the bottom plate
101 and the cover plate 201 along the first direction M. In this
way, the connector 40 connects the bottom plate 101 on the lower
box 10 and the cover plate 201 on the upper box 20. Therefore, the
connector 40 can form an effective support between the lower box 10
and the upper box 20 to enhance the strength of the battery box 1.
When the battery box 1 can withstand a relatively large external
force, the connector 40 can support the battery box 1 to prevent
deformation.
[0079] The battery pack and the vehicle according to the
embodiments of this application include the battery box 1 provided
in the foregoing embodiments, and the connector 40 forms an
effective support between the lower box 10 and the upper box 20 to
enhance the strength of the battery pack. In this way, when the
battery pack can withstand a relatively large external force, the
connector 40 can support the battery box 1 to prevent deformation,
and can effectively prevent damage to the battery module 2 caused
by deformation of the battery box 1, thereby improving reliability
and safety performance of the battery pack. In addition, the
structure of the connector 40 is so simple that it will not affect
the overall weight of the battery pack, thereby further optimizing
the performance of the battery pack. The guide channel 401 is
disposed on the connector 40. Therefore, when the battery pack is
mounted onto the vehicle body 4, the mounting piece 3 can plug into
the guide channel 401 to get connected to the vehicle body 4 and
the battery pack. In this way, the connector 40 can provide an
assembly point for the connection between the battery pack and the
vehicle while enhancing the strength of the battery pack, thereby
effectively improving stability and reliability of the mounting
connection between the battery box 1 and the vehicle and being easy
to promote and use.
[0080] It needs to be understood that the relational terms such as
"first", "second" are merely used to differentiate one entity or
operation from another, but do not require or imply any actual
relationship or sequence between the entities or operations. It
needs to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable
under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments in the
application described herein can, for example, work or be arranged
in a sequence other than those described herein or those otherwise
described.
[0081] Although this application has been described with reference
to exemplary embodiments, various improvements may be made to the
embodiments without departing from the scope of this application,
and the parts herein may be replaced with equivalents.
Particularly, to the extent that no structural conflict exists,
various technical features mentioned in various embodiments can be
combined in any manner. This application is not limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical
solutions falling within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *